It’s just about Valentine’s Day!

So I thought I’d share one of my favorite ways to explain God’s love to kids, whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not. It’s easy and fun and perfect for preschool through elementary age kids.

Get ready: On Valentine’s Day, gather the following supplies, place each one in a separate envelope or paper bag (except for the Bible, of course), then hide the items around the house. Your child will search for them later.

Supplies: Bible; a rubber band; a picture of a turtle, snail, or something slow (jar of honey); an eraser; Band-aid or protective gear (e.g. face mask, shin pad, mouth guard, helmet, baseball glove).

Parent directions are in [brackets].

SAY…

Every day people use the word “love”, especially on Valentine’s Day. “I love chocolate,” they might say. “I love red-wrapped milk chocolates and candy hearts and spicy red hots.” “I love football,” they might say. “I love snowboarding and skating and hockey.”

But what is real love?

God’s Word, the Bible, says “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love”(1 John 4:8). The best way to know what real love is to know God. If you know what God is like, you’ll know what real love is because God is love.

I hid a few things around the house that will help you learn what God is like. After you find each one, we’ll use the Bible to read its matching verse.

1. Rubber band

A rubber band stretches.

[Read Psalm 57:10.]

God is faithful; That means He always keep His promises. His faithfulness and love st-r-e-t-ch and reach to the heavens. [Stretch, then shoot the rubber band up high.]

If you love someone like God does, you will keep your promises to him or her.

2. Picture of a turtle, snail, or something slow

A turtle (or snail, etc.) is s-l-o-o-o-w.

[Read Psalm 103:8.]

God is slow to get angry. He’s very patient instead.

If you love someone like God does, you’ll be patient with that person.

3. Eraser

An eraser erases our mistakes.

[Read 1 John 1:9.]

God erases our sins; He forgives them.

You can’t “erase” someone’s sins, but if you love like God does you will forgive those who hurt your feelings and do wrong.

4. Band-aid or protective gear (e.g. helmet)

[Read Nahum 1:7.]

God protects those He loves. He cares for them.

If you love someone like God does, you’ll protect that person and stick up for her when no one else does. You’ll be kind and care for her.

Prayer: Dear God, Your love is long and wide and high and deep. Thank You for loving me. Fill me with Your love. Teach me to love like You do. Amen. (Based on Ephesians 3:17-19.)